Christmas Morning

Lordy, but things started early.

I’m worse than my eight year old. It’s four o’clock in the morning and I am up. I am tired and sleepy and should probably go back to sleep, but here I am writing instead.

This is the quiet before the storm. The crock pot is doing it’s work. I can smell the beef stew. I haven’t turned on the coffee maker yet, but will here in another hour.

We made it to church yesterday. It’s the first time in some while. I was not disappointed. There were hugs and “we’ve missed you.” We attended the family service. So, there was a wonderful degree of chaos in the balcony where we sit. And the sermon was specifically for the kids. They each received a light to take home, a symbol of God’s love for them. My son calls his the “Star of Bethlehem.” It was a lovely time. I’m glad we went.

It is so very quiet. I think I’ll try and get a little more sleep. I’ll be back soon.

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I managed about an hour more of sleep before EP came down the steps. By seven o’clock we were through the majority of the gifts. Stockings are kind of a big deal in our house. That’s where I have the most fun. This year was no exception. I’m grateful for the kind thoughtfulness of my wife and son.

The sausage balls are out of the oven. Friends and family will arrive around eleven o’clock. There will be a breakfast casserole, beef stew, and various platters of goodness upon which to nosh.

Right now, I am listening to the Baltimore Consort Christmas album. Once upon a time, I was very into the early music scene. I sang in a chamber choir and such, like you do. I would love to get back into it. I’ve been eyeing a Renaissance mandolin for that express purpose. But first, I need to get my singing voice back up to snuff. That’s a story for another day.

The Cherry Tree Carol

When Joseph was an old man, an old man was he
    He married Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee
    He married Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee

Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard green
    There were berries and cherries, as thick as might be seen
    There were berries and cherries, as thick as might be seen

And Mary spoke to Joseph, so meek and so mild
    "Joseph, gather me some cherries for I am with child"
    "Joseph, gather me some cherries for I am with child"

And Joseph flew in anger, in anger flew he
    "Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee"
    "Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee"

Then up spoke baby Jesus, from in Mary's womb
    "Bend down the tallest tree that my mother might have some"
    "Bend down the tallest tree that my mother might have some"

And bend down the tallest branch till it touched Mary's hand
    Cried she, "Oh, look thou Joseph, I have cherries by command"
    Cried she, "Oh, look thou Joseph, I have cherries by command" 

The text is a riff on Pseudo-Matthew. Poor old Joseph struggles mightily with the parentage of his first born. Can you blame him? Still, I pray to Joseph for strength as a parent. I’ll take the help wherever I can get it. Also, cherries are delicious.

Merry Christmas, one and all. May this day find you blessed and happy. And, if you are struggling in some way, know that you are loved no less. We got you.

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